David Thomas Mackey

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA - David T. Mackey, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA and Sandown, NH, passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2025. He was 58 years old.

David was born in Beverly, MA on December 11, 1967, to Rita and Edward Mackey. He was raised in Beverly, MA and Atkinson, NH alongside his sister, Amy (Mackey) DiPiano. David raised his children in Salem, MA and later moved to Sandown, NH. David most recently resided in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, with his fiancée, Kelly Capra.

Before college, David proudly served as a Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Coast Guard. After his discharge from the Coast Guard, David attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Industrial Management in 1997. David went on to have a successful career and most recently worked as a Supply Chain Manager at Amphenol PCD in Beverly, MA.

David was always eager to help friends and family—whether fixing something or lending a hand. He especially enjoyed tackling boat and home projects alongside family, especially his father, Ed, and he was deeply devoted to both of his parents.

Time spent with his children, Connor and Morgan, was especially meaningful to David. He cherished watching Morgan care for her chickens as a child and later took great pride in attending her soccer games and watching her excel on and off the field. He was equally proud of Connor’s successes and loved working on various projects together. Outdoor activities—including skiing, snowmobiling, hiking and boating—were amongst his favorite shared experiences. David enjoyed memorable summer boat trips to the Cape and Islands with family and close friends. Connor and Morgan’s graduation from UMass with their master’s degrees was one of David’s proudest moments. He found immense joy in the lives and careers his children are building.

Although initially hesitant when his children wanted a dog, David quickly became Shelby’s favorite person and her devoted, inseparable companion. Riley and Stanley, Kelly’s two dogs, befriended David instantly.

David also treasured time with his sister, Amy, brother-in-law, John, and nephew Nathan DiPiano. He made it a point to stay closely connected with Amy and enjoyed helping John with all things boating. Family meant everything to David. He was deeply looking forward to continuing to be part of his adult children’s lives and supporting them in any way he could.

He was also preparing to expand his family by marrying his fiancée, Kelly Capra, who has two biological children, Jake and Mackenzie, and two stepchildren, John and Lydia. David and Kelly enjoyed many outdoor activities as well as just spending time together at home or with their kids. They were to be married on December 31, 2025, and were eagerly anticipating the life they would build together.

Despite being an extraordinary person, David was humble. When he spoke, his words were thoughtful, articulate, polite, and always on point. He had a calm, caring presence, a warm smile, and an ease that made people feel comfortable and valued. A loyal friend to many across all stages of his life, David will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children, Connor and Morgan Mackey; his parents, Edward and Rita Mackey; his sister, Amy DiPiano, her husband, John DiPiano; his nephew, Nathan DiPiano; his fiancée, Kelly Capra; her biological children, Jake and Mackenzie Capra; and her stepchildren, John and Lydia Carroll. He is also survived by many dear friends and extended family.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of life service will be held on December 30th, 2025, at O’Donnell Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square, SALEM, MA 01970, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., followed by words of remembrance from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

David was a leukemia survivor, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David’s memory may be made to support AML research through Beat AML®, an initiative of Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). For more information or to donate, visit bloodcancerunited.org/research/beat-aml-bringing-precision-medicine-patients-clinical-trial. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.